ABSTRACT
The core of professional development is the trusting relationship between teacher and coach. When this relationship is fostered, literacy coaches come to know, understand, and appreciate the teachers' level of experience, expertise, and interests. Administrators cannot be divorced from the equation of change—principals, teachers, and coaches must act as a team to improve practice. Relationships open the doors to collaboration, to a willingness to be innovative, and an acceptance both to give and to take feedback as a means for professional growth. The relationship is launched with developing a vision for school improvement. Teachers, who were once isolated within four walls, now find themselves with classroom partners. Before literacy coaches can begin to tackle academic concerns, they must first listen—actively listen—to the perspective of the classroom teacher. Whatever path to relationship building is taken, it is important to remember that leaving a resistant teacher out of the coaching process weakens the possibility for growth for all teachers.
